The Great Escape

The rapper, whose fifth studio album will be released in June this year, first performed at The Great Escape to a packed crowd in a tiny 200-capacity venue in 2008; Not long after came the release of ‘Wont go Quietly’ which rapidly climbed to the top of the UK charts and established Example as an artist internationally recognised for his signature sound, mixing hip-hop, electro and rave.

Example said of his performance: “A lot has changed for me since I performed at The Great Escape in 2008 in a pub to about 30 people! I played there again in 2011 so it’s a real honour to return a 3rd time and play on the festival’s biggest stage. It's been an amazing journey – playing all the past hits and loads from the unreleased album 5, I will ensure this is a show to remember!”

Kat Morris, Festival Director, added “It is really great to be welcoming Example back to The Great Escape – from playing at one of our venues with a capacity of 200, to touring internationally and achieving two Number 1 Singles, to this year performing at our biggest venue with a capacity of almost 2000, it just goes to show the incredible trajectory of TGE artists go on to take after performing at the festival.”

Today’s addition completes the line-up for The Great Escape 2014’s trio of Dome Shows*, which already see WILD BEASTSand KELIS, supported by ELLA EYRE, performing on Friday and Saturday night respectively. Other artists confirmed to perform at TGE14 include, JON HOPKINS, CHLÖE HOWL, GEORGE EZRA,JIMI GOODWIN, CHARLI XCX, ALBERT HAMMOND, JR,ROYAL BLOOD, JOEL COMPASS, RATKING, HOZIER, AUGUSTINES, DRY THE RIVER, MNEK, EAST INDIA YOUTH andKIESZA with more to be announced very soon…

Aiming to truly represent the full spectrum of emerging talent in contemporary music, BBC Sound of 2014 nominated GEORGE EZRA will perform; Elsewhere, JIMI GOODWIN, frontman of Doves, who has been musically mutating for over 15 years, will take to one of the festival’s stages. Behind-the-scenes songwriter/producer MNEK, whose debut single is due this spring, electronica craftsman EAST INDIA YOUTH and Canada’s KIESZA, currently tearing up the electro-pop dance scene, also join the line-up today.

Critically acclaimed four piece WILD BEASTS*, who yesterday released their highly anticipated fourth studio album ‘Present Tense’, with support from the uncompromising THESE NEW PURITANS*and enigmatic alt-pop ensemble ADULT JAZZ* are confirmed to play Friday night’s Brighton Dome show. The Great Escape are also delighted to announce WAR CHILD, the organisation that protects children living in the world's most dangerous warzones, as lead charity partner for 2014. Together, TGE and War Child will host this musical triptych with £1.00 of every ticket to this show sold donated to War Child.

Jim Benner, Deputy Director of Music & Entertainment, of War Child said: “War Child believe in the power of music which helps us engage people in the vital work that we do, and has raised the money to help children whose lives have been torn apart by war. That belief in the unique power of music is why we are proud to be associated with The Great Escape Festival – a brilliant showcase for the best emerging musical talent from around the world.”

Kat Morris, Festival Director, added, “We’re truly thrilled The Great Escape and War Child will be working together at this year’s event. The incredible, worldwide outreach work that War Child does is indispensable and hopefully, with The Great Escape’s support, we can help to amplify their message.’

The Summer Festival Guide has the lineup details of the first 100 artists added to Brighton's The Great Escape which kicks off in May.

Heading up the lineup is Kelis in the Brighton Dome along with Brit Award nominee Ella Eyre who returns for a second year running.

Known as the UK’s answer to SXSW and labelled “The Cannes of the Music World” by Steve Lamacq, the first batch of artists confirmed for 2014 is evidence of the festival’s ability to navigate every genre featuring; hypnotic beat making collective JUNGLE, self-titled “Steak and Kidney Pop” star CHLÖE HOWL, Brighton’s own home-grown rock’n’roll duo ROYAL BLOOD and new benchmark for Pop music CHARLI XCX.

Also joining the line-up is atmospheric 3-piece BLAENAVON, gifted story spinning slacker COURTNEY BARNETT, Liverpudlian quartet CIRCA WAVES, new surf grunge kids on the block DUNE RATS as well as disillusioned outsiders FAT WHITE FAMILY who will bring total intoxicating aberrance to the seaside.

We are thrilled to announce that the legendary BILLY BRAGG* will play the Brighton Dome during TGE. Billy Bragg's impassioned outlook has inspired countless audiences and artists alike in his 30-year career. Says Billy, "It's brilliant to be invited to play at The Great Escape alongside such a great roster of new acts. I'm really looking forward to coming back to the Brighton Dome too – I've always had such a brilliant time there.", well we're excited too Billy…

To gain access to the Billy Bragg show at the Brighton Dome, attendees can top up their festival wristband for only £7 per show, or purchase a separate gig ticket for £17.50. Click here to buy. We can't wait to welcome the lyrical veteran for his first performance at The Great Escape, and armed with his new band, things are sure to be explosive when Bragg takes to the stage this May.

This year we've increased the number of shows that are accessible to under 18s. We've added an unmissable all ages matinee which will take place at the Corn Exchange on Saturday 18th May featuring pop culture rap satirists THE MIDNIGHT BEAST + guests. In addition our Brighton Dome Shows featuring BASTILLE and BILLY BRAGG are both 14+. And if that wasn't enough all three nights at Concorde 2 presented by Rocksound are 14+ too. The Rocksound shows so far feature; TITLE FIGHT,SHARKS, CHAMPAGNE, THREE TRAPPED TIGERS,TALL SHIPS with further artists to be added soon.

New additions Haim said: "We're so excited to play the Great Escape Fest! One of our dreams was to come to the UK and play cause we're such big fans of all the music from out there.

Rae Morris said: 'I played at The Hope on my first tour a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it! I'm from Blackpool so Brighton reminded me a lot of home. I'm a seaside girl at heart so can't wait to be back in Brighton for The Great Escape; i never thought i'd get to go to such a cool festival never mind play it!'

The full list of bands announced today is: TEMPER TRAP** / BASS DRUM OF DEATH / ST LUCIA

TGE festival-goers, can set up an affordable and perfectly positioned base at Brighton’s JOURNEYS HOSTEL for just £30 per night. Well located in relation to all TGE gig venues, a stay at Journey’s guarantees that all guests receive the lowest price possible for their stay as well as providing a better atmosphere for meeting and interacting with fellow festival goers. It’s got to be better than camping, right?

The festival is world famous for the massive acts who’ve cut their teeth on its stages: highlights include Bon Iver, Adele, Tinie Tempah, Mumford and Sons and Ed Sheeran to name a few. We’re looking to forwards to many more discoveries being made this year.

The Great Escape will return to the bustling British seaside city of Brighton from 10th-12th May 2012, presenting festival-goers with over 300 new local and international artists across 30 different venues throughout the city. Running alongside this is the Great Escape convention programme hosting a variety of insightful industry talks, panel debates, targeted networking sessions and key note interviews for industry professionals and music business fans.

**A small number of shows will take place at The Dome in Brighton. The second of the 2012 Brighton Dome Shows to be announced is TEMPER TRAP. To ensure guaranteed access at a Brighton Dome Show, attendees can top up their festival wristband for £7 per show, or purchase a separate gig ticket at www.escapegreat.com

3 Day Super Early Bird Festival tickets are currently on sale for just £35 BUT there are only a limited number remaining. Previous TGE acts have included world famous names such as Bon Iver, Adele, Tinie Tempah, Mumford and Sons and Ed Sheeran… And this year, with more up and coming talent on display than is strictly fair don’t miss out on the great opportunity to see some of the best new talent at an incredible price.

The atmosphere was amazing and addictive during the day it was relaxing and chilled with the few venues in the town down all the little winding streets, full of street performers and shops selling all sorts of weird and wonderful things. The venues were spread all over Brighton so you could get a different atmosphere from the different venues. Including the Pavilion Theatre which is a nice pub turned into a venue, to Digital which is a club with amazing banging base. In the evening it came alive on the seafront with venues and bars, the place lit up with people drinking and having a good time.

Day One: I got there late Thursday evening and went to pick up my pass. It was already very busy you could hear bands coming out of all the different venues. I was already thinking in my mind which bands I was going to see. I had a plan mapped out but it got turned upside down when I got my pass as I walked down to the sea-front and it turned out that

was the place to be, so I didn’t leave for the rest of the night. There were crowds of people outside the bars and venues enjoying themselves and socialising. Armed with my wristband, camera pass and anticipation, I went into my first venue to see the band Fight Like Apes. They are a very energetic band that liked to jump about and use the stage to its maximum advantage. They had a large fan base that enjoyed it and joined in with the bands enthusiasm. After that I went down to see Example at the Concorde. It wasn’t too busy but the people that did decide to make the walk down the other end of the seafront were not disappointed. Example sang all his hits including Unorthodox and Won’t Go Quietly and even some new material. Example was dripping sweat from jumping back and forth around the stage! I walked back down to the Coalition on the front where I caught Frank Turner, who turned out to be one of my highlights of the weekend. He came out with just his guitar and a smile and wowed the crowd with his acoustic sound and the joy he had from playing his music. He sung hits from his album such as Still Believe and Pass It Along. Definitely one to watch out for!

Day 2: I woke up all ready and excited in my hotel room, by the looks of it everyone else was already drinking and getting into the festival spirit. I took a walk down one of the main streets in the town before the bands started and checked out some of the street performers. Then I made my way down to Above Audio which was a little pub/ bar on the seafront where I listened to a few bands. The Jezabels stood out for me. They are an Aussie 4 piece band with a rich indie sound very enjoyable to watch with great stage presents. I walked down to Life and in the tiny unique venue I caught Mishima, a Spanish indie pop band, they were addictive to watch with songs in both English and there native Catalan. In such a small venue you felt you were in your own little show that no one else new about.

For the next few hours we just chilled out. I spoke to some of the festival goers who seemed to be making the most of the bars and venues. They all seemed to be in high spirits and enjoyed being down the seaside. There was a range of ages from teenagers to the more mature all having an awesome time. As the evening grew the next lot of bands started. I started out at the Brighton Coalition which was a large bar/music venue under the arches on the sea front. After seeing a few bands i came across Handsome Furs, a great band with lots of energy very exciting to watch. At one point the lead singer ended up in the crowd. The crowd loved this band and the excitement they brought to the venue with their fresh dark sounds. I walked back down to Life, the tiny venue with a great atmosphere. I got to see Visions of Trees that were amazing! The lead vocalist's voice was gripping with their electronic sound. I took a stroll down to the Corn Exchange in the town and caught a glimpse of Katy B, and the venue was very busy. It was what you expect, she’s an amazing and talented artist and is going to go far with her dub step and drum and bass style of music. She sung hits such as On a Mission, Perfect Stranger and came on for an encore of Lights On. The atmosphere in the Corn Exchange was big with everyone excited to see the next big thing.

Day 3: We started at the Relentless Bar where I ended up catching Seekae on the outside stage. Such a talented group of people pushing out there dance tunes. I also saw them later that day in the Digital venue which is obviously made for a band like this, the bass was unbelievable, definitely one to watch out for in the future. A bit later on that day I saw Benjamin Francis Leftwich who with just his guitar was amazing to watch the line was huge to get in to see him and I’m not surprised. He is very talented, the crowd loved him, and was singing along. And to top of my weekend I popped in to see Foster The People and White Denim. I was not disappointed with what I choose to end my weekend with, they just blew everyone away. After a packed fun filled weekend I got ready to go home. I really enjoyed my weekend, it’s great to come across bands you would never normally choose to see. Overall The Great Escape was a great weekend with great weather and great bands.

Cheeky chaps The View will bring their own crowd-pleasing take on indie-pop to Brighton, playing future hits, and tried and tested favourites. Expect euphoric recall courtesy of The Guillemots who regroup with ringleader Fyfe Dangerfield to air new material from the forthcoming third album. Two of Austin, Texas’ finest exports join the bill. First up Okkervil River will be taking us on their journey from ear candy to veiled audio violence, to the sea, up to the highest mountains and back again. Also playing are White Denim whose punk-infused, psychedelic blues-rock never fails to deliver live. Black Devil Disco Club were discovered by Aphex Twin and The Chemical Brothers some 30 years after the release of his first tracks. The legendary crooner of space disco is finally back with a new album and brings it to Brighton…Beardyman needs little introduction having compared many a festival these past couple of years. His unique vocal dexterity winning him fans around the world. Expect man-made re-rubs, re-edits, and layer upon layer of cheeky aural wizardry. Anna Calvi is one of the names on the tip of everyone’s tongue to break through in 2011. Seeing her brand of big, challenging pop songs is sure to be one of the hottest shows at The Great Escape. The Black Lungs is a side project of Alexisonfire guitarist, Wade MacNeil. Wade is the lead singer of this band, reminiscent of his first punk rock band Plan 9. Dirty but as addictive as Marlborough Reds, these St Catherine’s residents will be flying the Canadian flag in Brighton. London trio Factory Floor are raw, chaotic, fantastic and different. Everything you could want from a new band. Critics and the public alike have been flocking to their industrialized and synthesized live shows. Watch it go off. Grouplove are favorites of the NME, and their take on California is as forward thinking as it is inspired by the classic harmony groups of yesteryear. Packed to the rafters with energy and good vibes, they are set to bring some proper sunshine to Brighton beach! Once again proving that artists get deals off the back of The Great Escape, King Charles has, since his incendiary performance at last year’s event, been snapped up by Universal in the states, and has been recording his debut album in LA. His unabashed twist on colonialist folk has to be seen to be believed. His personality is only dwarfed by his huge tunes (and his massive hair)…And the list goes on….for the full line up go to http://escapegreat.com/festival-line-up.

Ted Baker brings the HMV Next Big Thing stage to Brighton featuring the cream of emerging talent that played the London event in February plus special guests.

Relentless energy drink are back for the third year with their legendary street gigs!

Arts Council England are yet again generously supporting us to deliver a diverse and exciting plethora of Urban, British Asian and Indian music. In addition they will also be supporting some innovative street theatre from Periplum and gig collaborations with Brighton Festival featuring DJ Shadow, Sufjan Stevens & Max Richter.

Great Escape is supported through Arts Council’s Grants for the arts scheme. Grants for the arts is funded through National Lottery and is Arts Council England’s open application funding programme. It supports arts activities that engage people in the arts and helps artists and arts organisations with their work.

TICKET INFORMATION – all tickets available from www.escapegreat.com Early bird festival tickets £45 for 3 days up till 12th April – price then £49.50 Early bird delegate tickets £125 for 3 days up till 12th April – price then £150 Single day tickets now on sale – Thursday £22.50, Friday £27.50, Saturday £30.00 Friday and Saturday combined tickets now on sale – £38.00

These tickets allow access to all TGE gigs, except Dome shows, on the named day of the festival subject to each venue’s capacity.

The Great Escape have sold out of Dome Show tickets, however there are a limited number available from the venue direct.

FULL DETAILS OF INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASES

The Great Escape is proud to announce a selection of showcases taking place at this year’s event:

· Lead Country Partner Music From Ireland presents Fionn Regan, And So I Watch You From Afar, and Funeral Suits.